HIV Alliance approached designBridge in the spring of 2008 asking for a solution for the hot conditions in their second story’s west offices. The clients and employees also expressed a need for clearer way finding at the ground level, a barrier between the existing entry and a parking lot to the west and the creation of a more attractive and usable outdoor space. Of special consideration to the designBridge team was a need to integrate a meaningful design with the practical day-to-day needs of a functioning non-profit organization. The final design solution was guided by two key decisions; one, the replacement of the pervasive asphalt outside the entrance with a less reflective ground surface and the introduction of a strong boundary condition along the west edge of the property line. Key design features include a new ADA approved door, improved signage, custom light fixtures, over 1500 hand-made permeable pavers, an undulating wood bench, wood trellis, custom light fixtures and bamboo planters, and a red steel band running throughout the site meant to represent the AIDs ribbon. The new space is more refined, flexible and has resulted in reduced cooling costs on the second story